Star Journal Report

Favorable fishing conditions Saturday yielded 37 registered musky during the 2019 Shoeders RV & Marine Hodag Musky Challenge in Rhinelander. That’s the most on a single day in recent tournament history.

The tournament was held on five lake groups in the Rhinelander area, with 102 teams competing for more than $20,000 in cash prizes. Hosting the event this year were the Northwoods United Way and the Rhinelander Ice Association.

“We were pleased to have this tournament in our area again this year.  Not only did the 204 anglers have a good time competing for the prize money, they also contributed to our two local non-profit agencies,” said Nancy Sattler, executive director for the Northwoods United Way.  “We  had a great night at Friday’s rules meeting, with raffle prizes, food, and the chance to look at a dozen boats that our title sponsor, Shoeders RV & Marine brought over to the Rhinelander Ice Arena.”

First place went to Dan Gropengiser and Jerrod Haenel of Rhinelander. The team caught and released four fish (40 inches. 40.25 inches, 42.25 inches, and 46 inches, all on Crescent Lake.

Second place, also with four fish, went to Tim Buffington of Tomahawk and Scott Britt of Iowa. Chad Nelson and Andy Smits of Gillett took Third. Dan Brekke and Mick Miller took the largest pike, measuring 35.5 inches.

The larges musky of 46.5 inches was caught by Travis Smith and Chad Rudie on Crescent Lake. All fish caught were successfully released.

For complete results, visit HodagMuskyChallenge.com.